Author/Authors :
Abdi, S Cochlear Implantation Clinic, Hearing Research Center, Amir Aalam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Jalili, B Iran University of Medical Sciences, Esmaili Child Psychiatry Center , Tavakoli, H Departmant of General Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Naderpour, M Department of ENT, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz
Abstract :
Background: The emotional changes of patients undergoing
cochlear implantation (CI) has been addressed in a few studies.
To date, no special test has been developed to measure these
changes.
Objective: To measure the emotional status of children undergoing
CI by interpreting their drawings.
Methods: A prospective longitudinal study on prelingually
deafened children from 4-14 years of age undergoing CI and
sex and age-matched non-CI candidate deaf children comprised
the study population. Drawings were produced before
implantation and after 1, 3, 6, and 12-month intervals. These
were scored with regard to a questionnaire developed in Amir
Aalam Hospital Hearing Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
Results: The prevalence of drawings with cues of rage/anxiety
decreased from 35% to 21.9%. Similarly, sadness prevalence
dropped from 36.8% to 20% and the prevalence of immaturity
was reduced from 20% to 7.1%.
Conclusion: We recommend drawing to be included in the
rehabilitation program of children undergoing CI and used as a
practical measure of their emotional progress
Keywords :
Cochlear implantation , child , projective techniques , emotion , anxiety
